ANTITRUST
A MGM Pictures release

review by Joseph B. Mauceri

SYNOPSIS: Milo Hoffman and Tygh Runyan are fresh out of college and believers in the high ideals instilled in them by their professors. Their golden rule, "Knowledge should be free because it belongs to the human race." On the eve of a meeting with investment bankers, Milo and Tygh are approached by the CEO of  N.U.R.V., Garry Winston. Milo is enticed by Winston's offer, but all is not well in "cyberadise." The due date for N.U.R.V.'s latest project is quickly approaching, and if they don't make their date heads will roll, literally. In fact, some of the deaths of America's brightest computer geeks may not be what they appear to be.

REVIEW: With the Government vs. Microsoft case still fresh in the public's mind, ANTITRUST takes fact and places a low-weapon James Bond spin on it. Hey, this is the studio that does the Bond films! Project due dates are elevated to extreme levels of corporate espionage, theft and murder. The CEO of N.U.R.V. boasts that any home grown computer company operating out of a garage can come up with the next idea that could put him out of business. "Business is binary, ones and zeros. You are either alive or dead."

Surprisingly the plot has enough twists and red herrings to maintain tension and suspense. Screenwriter Howard Franklin adds a little "1984," adapting it to these current events. At times it seems too close to current events. It is little wonder that a line establishes that this is not about Bill Gates and Microsoft when Milo and Gary first meet. Franklin creates dialogue that enables his younger characters to show their age, without limiting their maturity or intelligence. The audience appeal rises from the aspect that ANTITRUST's plot never gets bogged down with technology and hardware. It stays focused on the human drama and peril.

Director Peter Howitt skillfully creates suspense and tension, and also gives the audience a sense of Milo's paranoia and stress as his world begins to unravel. There's an organic feel to this high tech film. My only criticism is that he allows Robins' performance to come to close to being a stereotype; the sinister business man.

Ryan Phillippe holds his own with a performance that sustains the plot's tension. Phillippe manages goes toe-to-toe with Tim Robins and comes out shining. He is definitely a young talent that is destined to go far. I enjoyed Robbins performance, however it was slightly similar in nature and tone to what he created in "Arlington Road," but driven by a business man's passion and drive. As he remarks, "A corporate Jim Jones." The rest of the cast is up for the task of selling the tale.

ANTITRUST is a tension riddled and talent-driven thriller that never compromises story for hardware. Drama and mystery are woven together with the skill of an Agatha Christie novel. ANTITRUST is a sold start for a new film season.

OFFICIAL WEB SITE:
http://www.antitrustthemovie.com

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